Like so many entertainers — from porn stars to horrible bands — comedians have figured out that the internet is the best thing to happen to promotions since the invention of the press release. Cincinnatian Andre Hyland has been making hilarious videos since he was a local high school student and his steady stream of new comedy pieces in that format has helped him become a highly plausible “Next Big Thing” in the comedy world. Hyland’s self-generated buzz (which was also pushed along by live appearances in L.A., including many sold-out shows) has put him right on the cusp of breaking beyond the cult following he’s amassed online (the popular Funny or Die website posts Hyland’s work frequently) and moving on to that old-school (yet still effective) medium known as national television. Since moving to California to follow his dreams, Hyland has auditioned for Saturday Night Live, found an influential backer/mentor in writer/actor Bob Odenkirk, developed a well-received (but not green lit) pilot for Comedy Central and is currently developing another show, this time based on his character “Jesse Miller,” a young, dumb and enthusiastic redneck — think a cross between David Cross’ Ronnie Dobbs and the hoodrats who hang out in Burger King parking lots on weekends. Previously, Hyland has performed his early “Tracy, Dean and Jesus” schtick live when he’s come home for the holidays. This year, Jesse Miller will make his first live appearance in Hyland’s hometown. The Jesse Miller Talk Show: 513 Christmas performance takes place at 8:30 p.m. Friday at YES Gallery. The show is free. Check Hyland’s blondchili.com to see his work.
